» Ajoka Theatre's play on how religious fanatics adopt double standards a big hit in Pak

Ajoka Theatre's play on how religious fanatics adopt double standards a big hit in Pak

Published: Monday, June 9, 2008, 15:02 [IST]

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Islamabad, June 9 : A play by Ajoka Theatre depicting double standards adopted by those believing in fanaticism is proving to be a big hit in Islamabad these days.

The play tells how personal creed and narrow mindedness on the part of religious leaders could cause downfall of a nation depriving it of the contemporary developments in the field of knowledge. It also satirizes the religious leaders who are quick to criticise situations but hardly work for the welfare of people.

Based on 'Dhanak', a story written by eminent short-story writer Ghulam Abbas, the play highlighted the double standard of religious leaders that often leads people to fanaticism. So gripping and absorbing was the play that the audience were rooted to their seats in a packed hall, reported the Daily Times.

The play satirized misinterpretation of religion involving its followers into prejudices and provoking to ouster the democratic forces.

"Unlike the predictions of scientists and intellectuals, great writers do not base their prophesies on data analyses or scientific formulae, but on their prophetic vision and intuition," said Madeeha Gohar, the founder of Ajoka Theatre adding that sometimes they could be much more exact and much more graphic in their predictions and Ghulam Abbas was one of those great short story writers.

Masood Ali, a senior citizen who watched the play, said that it successfully communicated the alarming consequences of religious extremism in the country, but he suggested that the play should also be staged in other areas of the country.

Farooq Khawar, one member of the audience, said that growing extremism had threatened the future of the coming generations. "We are afraid of extremism as far as the future of our children is concerned," he added.